Mushroom Powder

Health Benefits of Reishi

The reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is a fungus originated from hot and humid areas in Asia . Other common names include Ling Zhi, Lin Zi, and mushroom of immortality. It can be consumed in various forms, including fresh, powdered, or extracts. It is often recommended by Asian physicians, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners, and naturopaths as supplements for immune system benefits.

Immune System

Reishi is known to help boost immune system. It is achieved by increasing the activity of white blood cells, which helps fight infections and cancer. Studies have shown that it stops the growth of cancer cells. It is usually recommended to be used as a supplement in addition to cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Reishi has an alternative cancer supplement widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Reishi mushrooms activates immune system and liver function, hence triggers the body in producing anti-inflammatory substances that prevents infection. With its immune system fighting ability, it is also used to help treat HIV and AIDs.

Reishi contains compounds that help lower blood pressure as well as inhibit blood clot.

Mental Health

Reishi can help restore overall mental health and well-being by reducing fatigue, anxiety, and depression. A study has shown that the consumption of Reishi mushrooms can ease pain and irritability. It can also be beneficial for Alzheimer’s disease as well as seizure preventions.

It is a very widely used herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for over 2000 years. Mental and physical exhaustion are very closely linked, in which can result in fatigue, headaches, irritability, and depression. Reishi relaxes the central nervous system and hence reduces overall stress. It helps keep our neuro system in balance. By having a calmer mind while at rest, it enhances the quality of our sleep.

Anti-allergenic

There are studies that show Reishi mushrooms can be beneficial to patients with chronic asthma, as it contains antihistamine effects.

Liver Function

The function of the liver is to remove toxins out of our bodies, and Reishi mushrooms support the regeneration of liver cells, hence enhancing overall liver health. Reishi has the ability to initiate the production of toxin-binding protein that helps the body remove such toxins. One liver disease called liver fibrosis, is a condition that is considered irreversible. However, Reishi extract has shown to reverse the fibrosis while the condition is well advanced.

Other Benefits

Other potential benefits of Reishi includes support of gut health, cardiovascular health, stress relief, and spiritual protection.

Reference

[1] Tinsley, G. “6 Benefits of Reishi Mushroom (Plus Side Effects and Dosage).” (2018).
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/reishi-mushroom-benefits#section1

[2] Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre. “Reishi Mushroom.” (2019).
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/reishi-mushroom

[3] Jin, X. et al. “Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment.” (2016).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6353236/

[4] Morton, K. “Reishi Mushrooms are Seriously Trending – But what are their health benefits, exactly?” (2018).
https://www.wellandgood.com/good-food/reishi-mushroom-benefits/

[5] Steiner, E. “How Reishi Combats Aging.” (2013).
https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2013/2/how-reishi-combats-aging/page-02

[6] Whitechurch, D. “How Reishi Mushroom Can Reduce Stress and Anxiety (Transofrm Your Consciousness.” (2018).
https://teelixir.com/blogs/news/how-reishi-mushroom-reduce-stress-anxiety